Barry Fairbrother suddenly dies in the British town, Pagford. Fairbrother was on the Parish Council for Pagford and now individuals are running for election to fill his position. There are disagreements about the changes that should take place in Pagford. The main issue concerns whether the Fields should remain within the Pagford boundaries. There are social class stereotypes between those living in the picturesque Pagford with cobblestones and individuals living in The Fields who are believed to be a lower social class. Everybody has personal secrets and grievances against others. Unique characters live in Pagford and somehow each connect. For example: a teen has a crush on a young woman whose mother is the social worker for a drug using mother whose daughter has sexual relations with a different teen whose father is the headmaster at school whose doctor has a daughter cutting herself because the headmaster’s son often bullies her. Confused? That’s just one small example about how the many individuals in Pagford connect. How will the town election change Pagford? Will the town’s secrets be made public to affect the vote and daily life?

If I saw the book cover and read the short description I wouldn’t give this book a second glance. I will admit the only reason I read The Casual Vacancy was because it was written by J.K. Rowling. I wasn’t expecting it to be anything like Harry Potter, instead I wanted to read another genre with her writing. In fact, the writing is so extremely different from her previous writing that I often forgot who the author was. Let me warn you this is definitely an adult book. It contains swearing, bullying, drug use, domestic violence, cutting, rape, child neglect, sexual situations, political scandal, and social class issues. I mention this because the Harry Potter series was read by both children and adults, so the content should not be assumed okay for all age levels.

Personally, I didn’t enjoy the book and I had to force myself to finish it. I think there were too many characters and the plot was often dry and not exciting. I had to read over half the book before the plot fully formed and it gained some momentum. Rowling did a good job connecting characters and providing their different perspectives, but I think she almost tried too hard. Yes, life often isn’t perfect and individuals have personal struggles and desires, but I think too many issues were thrown into the book. It was almost as though she made a check list of every possible issue (drugs, sex, violence…) that individuals may have in a small town. Don’t get me wrong, I’m okay reading harsh subjects but I think the issues in this book lacked substance and depth. The conclusion left many unanswered questions.Would I recommend this book or read the book again? No, but unfortunately I know most individuals are like me and will be reading The Casual Vacancy because of its author. I give Rowling high praise for writing something in a new genre for a different audience. If you enjoy small town conflicts, social issues, and British humor then you may enjoy The Casual Vacancy.

Any student found in possession of the magazine The Quibbler will be expelled.

For some reason, every time Hermione caught sight of one of these signs she beamed with pleasure.

‘What exactly are you so happy about?’ Harry asked her.

‘Oh, Harry don’t you see?’ Hermione breathed. ‘If she could have done one thing to make absolutely sure that every single person in this school will read your interview, it was banning it!’

– J.K. Rowling (Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, page 512)

I remembered this small conversation between Harry and Hermione from Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix after yesterday’s post about censorship in The Day They Came to Arrest the Book. (Yes, I’ve read them enough times to recall certain phrases.) I don’t think this conversation spoils the book if you haven’t read it yet. The basic idea is…

Attention muggles, Harry Potter is now available to read as an eBook for various readers, smartphones, tablets, mp3 players, and computers!!! You need to purchase your Harry Potter eBooks on the third-party website, www.pottermore.com. Then click the lower right button for eBooks at the Pottermore Shop.

The eBook prices range from $7.99 (earlier books) to $9.99 (later books). The audio book prices range from $29.99 (earlier books) to $44.99 (later books). You can also save %10 by buying all seven books. Here are some questions and answers to hopefully help.

Currently, the books are only available in English, but soon they will be available in more languages.

The Harry Potter eBooks are provided in EPUB format, which is most common for readers. What devices are compatible with the Pottermore Shop eBooks?:

In order, to buy the Harry Potter eBook you need to set up a Pottermore Shop account. If you were lucky enough to get early access to Pottermore you still need to make a separate Pottermore Shop account. Click on the eBook you wish to purchase and add it to your basket. After it’s in your basket, proceed to the checkout.

How many times can I download each eBook?:

You’re able to download each eBook eight times for your personal use at no additional cost.

I was one of the lucky few who got to experience Pottermore early in October. It will open to everyone next month! Pottermore is an awesome online reading experience. You learn more about the books and become part of the story yourself. Click on the message to hear more about it from J. K. Rowling.

Here is my second Sharing Sunday that I provide information I’ve enjoyed.

Are you upset that the owl never arrived with your Hogwarts acceptance letter? Well, this muggle blogger writes adventures as though the owl actually did arrive and this muggle attends Hogwarts. Follow the adventures of learning to ride a broom and many challenges of being a non-wizard in a wizard school. Not at Hogwarts Yet

Would you like a kid’s honest opinion about books? Here is a blog written by a kid who loves books and shares wonderful reviews. It is a great site for parents and children to find books to read. The blog also features information about authors and book trivia. This Kid Reviews Books

If you haven’t updated your passport or you’re short on travel cash, then this is a wonderful blog to see the world through photos. There are Snapshots of the World through food, landscapes, animals, buildings, culture customs, and more. I enjoy the brief travel information behind each photo.

This post is a delightful poem about diversity through the voices of crayons. At first the crayons disagree and don’t accept each other, but soon they learn that each is unique and together they make a beautiful picture. The poem is taken from a book. The Crayon Box That Talked

Do you have too many books and not enough places to store them? Here are some fun photos that provide creative ideas about where to keep and show your books. Decorate With Books

Today’s the last day of banned books week, however our freedom to read should be celebrated all year. I was going to end the week with my favorite series and well-known for being challenged, of course I’m referring to the Harry Potter series. Instead, I decided to use a past post about Harry Potter.

Any student found in possession of the magazine ,The Quibbler, will be expelled.

For some reason, every time Hermione caught sight of one of these signs she beamed with pleasure.

‘What exactly are you so happy about?’ Harry asked her.

‘Oh, Harry don’t you see?’ Hermione breathed. ‘If she could have done one thing to make absolutely sure that every single person in this school will read your interview, it was banning it!’

– J.K. Rowling (Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, page 512)

I don’t think this conversation spoils the book if you haven’t read it yet. The basic idea is that the magazine, The Quibbler, provided information that the ministry didn’t want students to know about. Of course, Hermione catches this action right away and understands that students will now learn the truth. By the end of the day, every student read The Quibbler.

What happens when you ban or forbid something? Of course, our curiosity wins and we desire to seek what others don’t want us to learn or comprehend. Individuals crave to know what information and context is so terrible and extreme that some want to influence others from not reading it. So don’t be afraid to read the book, listen to the song, or watch the movie that others find ‘questionable’ or ‘inappropriate’. My personal philosophy is that any book worth banning is a book worth reading.

Do you have your ticket ready at exactly eleven o’clock on the first of September standing upon platform nine and three-quarters? I hope so. Many schools start today, so I remembered what occurs on the first of September in Harry Potter. Travel back to the beginning as Harry boards Hogwart’s Express for the first time. Of course, since he lives with muggles they laugh when he mentions that the train leaves from platform nine and three-quarters when to them it doesn’t exist. Harry wouldn’t believe that so very soon he’ll begin his magical journey and lasting friendships.

Harry felt a great leap of excitement. He didn’t know what he was going to – but it had to be better than what he was leaving behind.

– J. K. Rowling (Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone, page 98)

We’ve all had similar feelings of excitement and apprehension about the journey ahead. Besides brief chats with Hagrid, Harry had no knowledge about the wizard world. What situations have put you into the unknown? Harry’s completely alone until he stumbles upon the Weasly family who help him through the brick wall and onto platform nine and three-quarters. What or who has led you through struggles of unknown? I love that this is where he meets Ron and during this casual conversation they become instant friends especially to Harry who’s had no true friends.

Here Harry and Ron share food in their compartment on the Hogwart’s Express:

You don’t want this, it’s all dry,” said Ron. “She hasn’t got much time,” he added quickly, “you know, with five of us.”

“Go on, have a pasty,” said Harry, who had never had anything to share before or, indeed, anyone to share it with. It was a nice feeling, sitting there with Ron, eating their way through all Harry’s pasties, cakes, and candies (the sandwiches lay forgotten).

It’s the people we meet along the way that make the journey worthwhile. Sure, Harry may have joined a different compartment but they may have made him a different person. Ron gained recognition, since Harry saw him as an individual and not the many from a large family. Hopefully, I’ll be meeting you abroad Hogwart’s Express as we buy sweets and start our journey together.

Something very wonderful and magical happened today. After waiting weeks I received my ‘owl’ (email) that my Pottermore account is ready to enter. I was one of the lucky million to give feedback on the site that gives new insight into the Harry Potter books. It really is quite amazing. J. K. Rowling includes personal information behind the story and how she created the ideas. You’re taken along a journey through the entire series. Individuals, such as myself, provide feedback as to how they think the site will be even better when it’s open to everyone in October. I think it just opened, since I received my registration on the first day, July 31st. If you’re not one of the lucky few then you will surely be delighted when you enter later.

The magical world of Pottermore is now just a click away.

by J.K. Rowling

Before you step into the exciting world of Pottermore, we’d like to welcome you as one of the first million people to be granted access. You are being invited in early to help shape the experience and ensure that it is as magical as it can be for the full launch in October.

Pottermore builds an exciting online experience around the reading of the Harry Potter books, allowing you to read and share exclusive content from J.K. Rowling, visit Diagon Alley, get sorted into a house, cast spells and mix potions to help your house compete for the House Cup. All we ask is that you let us know what you like and if there’s anything you think would make Pottermore even better.